MX2015004580A - Personal care composition in the form of a dissolvable article. - Google Patents

Abstract

An article that is a porous, dissolvable solid structure that dissolves easily due to the shape, product orientation and/or method of manufacturing the porous, dissolvable solid structure. The process of making the Article involves preparing a pre-mixture, aerating the pre-mixture, dosing the pre-mixture into individual cavities in molds, and drying the pre-mixture to an Article having an open celled foam with a % open cell of from about 80% to about 100%.

Description

COMPOSITION FOR PERSONAL CARE IN THE FORM OF AN ARTICLE DISSOLVABLE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to personal care compositions in the form of an article that is a soluble and porous solid structure. The article dissolves easily due to the size, orientation of the product and / or manufacturing method of the soluble structure of the porous solid structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Solid, porous and soluble personal care products have been described which comprise a polymeric structuring agent, soluble in water and a surfactant or other ingredient. However, the current processes for manufacturing these solid, porous and soluble structures have less optimal cost, manufacturing speed and product variability parameters.

There still remains a need for a process that results in a desired solid, porous, soluble and flexible structure that can be manufactured within the desired speed and cost parameters. In addition, a process that produces a porous solid structure that is easy to dissolve is needed. Additionally, it is desired to improve the solubility properties of the solid and porous product to facilitate better customer satisfaction with the product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A personal care article in the form of a solid, porous and soluble structure, comprising: from about 0% to about 75% surfactant; from about 15% to about 70% polymeric structurant, further characterized in that the structurant has a weight average molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 500,000; and from about 1% to about 30% plasticizer; further characterized in that the article is an open cell foam with% open cells of about 80% to about 100% and, the article has an upper part and a lower part, further characterized the upper part comprises an acquisition region with pores of an average diameter of about 0.125 to about 0.850 mm. Additionally, the bottom portion may have pores with a diameter of about 0.020 to about 0.125 mm.

A personal care article in the form of a soluble porous structure, comprising: from about 0% to about 75% surfactant; from about 15% to about 70% polymeric structurant, further characterized in that the structurant has a weight average molecular weight of from about 40,000 to about 500,000; and from about 1% to about 30% plasticizer; wherein the article is an open cell foam with% open cells of from about 80% to about 100% and, further characterized in that the article has an upper part and a lower part in which the upper part comprises a region of acquisition with pores of an average diameter of about 0.125 to about 0.850 mm and further characterized because the article has an area concave located in the acquisition region.

A process for preparing an article, comprising the steps of: preparing a premix including from about 1% to about 75% surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 25% polymer, from about 0.1% to about 75% water, and optionally from about 0.1% to about 25% plasticizer product, further characterized in that said premix comprises: a viscosity from about 1000 cps to about 20,000 cps; and further characterized in that said premix is heated to a temperature in the range of about 60 ° C to about 90 ° C; aeration of the premix by introducing a gas into the premix to form an aerated wet premix, further characterized in that said aerated wet premix comprises: a density from about 0.15 to about 0.65 g / ml; and a bubble size of about 5 to about 100 microns; dosing the wet premix in individual cavities in a mold; and drying the wet premix by applying energy to the molds to heat the wet premix and evaporate water characterized further because the article is an open cell foam with% open cells of about 80% to about 100%.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a micro-CT of an article that shows pores. Figure 2 is a top view of one embodiment of an article.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of an embodiment of an article.

Figure 4 is a top view of one embodiment of an article.

Figure 5 is a graph that shows the pore diagram of the article in mm vs. Item height in mm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions Reference may be made in the present description to the article of flexible, porous and dissolvable solid structure as "the article" or "the dissolvable article". All references are intended to represent the flexible, porous and dissolvable solid structure article.

As used in the present description, "flexible" means that the article complies with the maximum strength values discussed in the present description.

As used in the present description, "dissolvable" refers to the fact that the article meets the dissolution values by hand that are discussed in the present description. The article has a dissolution value in hand of about 1 to about 30 rubs, in an embodiment of about 2 to about 25 rubs, in another embodiment of about 3 to about 20 rubs and in another embodiment of about 4 to about 15 strokes, as calculated by the method of dissolution in hand.

As used herein, "open cell foam" refers to a solid, interconnected matrix containing polymers that defines a network of spaces or cells containing a gas, typically, a gas such as air without collapsing the foam structure during the drying process, in this way, maintains the physical resistance and the cohesion of the solid. The interconnectivity of the structure can be described by means of a highlighted volume, a structural model index (SMI) and a percentage content of open cells.

As used herein, articles that include "a" and "a", when used in a claim, refer to one or more of what is claimed or described.

As used in the present description, the terms "includes", "include" and "that include (s)" are not limiting.

The test methods described in the Test Methods section of the present application should be used to determine the respective values of the parameters of the Applicants' inventions.

All percentages and proportions are calculated by weight, unless indicated otherwise. All percentages and proportions are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise indicated.

It will be understood that each maximum numerical limitation given in this specification will include any lower numerical limitation, as if the lower numerical limitations had been explicitly annotated herein. Any minimum numerical limitation given in this specification shall include any major numerical limitations, as if those major numerical limitations had been explicitly noted herein. Any numerical range given throughout this specification will include each smaller numerical range found in said broader numerical intent, as if said smaller numerical ranges were expressly indicated in the present invention.

It has been found that an article produced according to the molding process as described herein, can form large pores towards the outer surface of the article. The articles have a top and a part lower. These larger pores can be located only on one side of the article and can only be in the part of the article that makes contact with the mold. The part of the article that comes into contact with the mold during manufacture, becomes the top of the article during use. The top of the item that has large pores can be considered the acquisition region, because this region is more receptive to water. The pores in the acquisition region can have a diameter of about 0.125 to about 0.850 mm. The lower part of the article may have smaller pores, from a diameter of about 0.020 to about 0.125 mm, and as such is less receptive to water. These smaller pore areas can be considered the non-acquisition region, because they are less receptive to water. It has been found that the dissolution of the article can be improved if water is first added to the acquisition region. Figure 1 shows the image of a microcomputed tomography (mCT) of an article, with an acquisition region 2 and a non-acquisition region 4.

In one example the dissolution test by hand indicates that the dissolution of the article in which water is first added to the acquisition region dissolves more easily and completely to become a liquid product (see Table 1 vs. Table 2).

Table 1 - Water was first added to the acquisition region Table 2 - Water was first added to the non-adauisition region In Figures 2 and 3, one modality of the article is shown. This article has an upper part (Figure 2) and a lower side (Figure 3). In manufacturing, the top of the article is the part of the article that comes into contact with the mold. A sign and / or logo can be used to make the consumer add water to the procurement region of Article 6 (as shown in Figure 2). Another way to improve the dissolution of the article is that the acquisition region 8 of the article also has the form to receive and / or retain the water (Figure 2). This shape can be achieved through channels, 10 or a logo that includes slots 12. The article can also be shaped so that the acquisition region has a depression and / or concave area 14 in which water can be received ( As shown in Figure 4). This encourages the consumer additionally to add water to the region of acquisition of the article and in this way, increases the ease of dissolution of the article.

As shown in Figure 5, the diameter of the pores is determined, which is determined by considering the value of the weighted radius (method described in the present description) on each slide and multiplying by two. The diameter of the pores is greater in a region of the article.

The molding process makes it easier to shape the article, since it can be shaped in any mode of combination of shapes, grooves, impressions and / or signs during the molding process. The article takes any shape that is included in the mold. The non-acquisition region may be generally flat 12 (as shown in Figure 3). Additionally, the non-acquisition region can be molded or configured to indicate that it should be placed in the consumer's palm. This can be a convex region that fits in the consumer's hand more easily than on a flat surface. This additionally serves as an indicator for the consumer to apply water to the article acquisition region.

Additionally, the article may include signs that allow the consumer to locate the top and bottom of the product, and therefore know where to add water. Signs include, but not limited to colors, designs, textures, shapes, macroparticles, printed letters (such as the top, bottom, etc.). These signs can be included in the article in any way, including but not limited to shaping the article, molded in the article and / or sprayed on the article.

It has further been found that the molding process can be used to make articles with a central thickness that is thinner relative to the edge. This larger area of the print foot helps reduce the overall thickness of the pad. This item can dry more quickly. During the drying process, heat can be added from the top, bottom and sides, which promotes the evaporation of water. If items dry faster, they can be manufactured more quickly and / or more economically. As shown in Fig. 4, the central region 14 may be thinner than the outer regions 16 of the article.

Manufacturing method A. Preparation of the premix The premix is prepared, generally, by mixing the solids of interest, which include surfactant (s), soluble water dissolved polymer, optional plastiflator and other optional ingredients. In one embodiment, the solids of interest are present in the premix at a weight level of from about 1% to about 75% surfactant, from about 0.1% to about 25% water soluble polymer, and from about 0.1% to about 25% plasticizer.

In one embodiment, the premix can be formed by the use of a mechanical mixer. The mechanical mixers useful in the present invention, include, but are not limited to, inclined blade mixers or MAXBLEND mixer (Sumitomo Heavy Industries).

For the addition of the ingredients in the premix, it is envisaged that the polymer will be dissolved, finally, in the presence of water, the surfactant (s), optional active ingredients, optional plasticizer, and any other optional ingredient that includes processing by stages by pre-mixing portions of any combination of ingredients.

The premixes of the present invention comprise: from about 15% to about 55% solids, in one embodiment, from about 30% to about 55% solids, in one embodiment, from about 32% to about 55% solids, in one embodiment, from about 34% to about 50% and, in another embodiment, from about 36% to about 45% solids, by weight of the premix before drying. The percentage content of solids is the sum of the percentages of weight by weight of the total processing mixture of all the solid, semi-solid and liquid components, which exclude water, and any obviously volatile material, such as alcohols with a point of low boiling.

In one embodiment, the viscosity of the premix is determined when heat the premix to a temperature in the range of about 60 ° C to about 99 ° C. In one embodiment, the viscosity is measured at 1 sec 1 and 70 ° C. In another embodiment, the viscosity of the premix is measured at ambient temperatures (25 ° C).

When the premix is heated to a temperature in the range between 60 ° C and 99 ° C, the premixes of the present invention have a viscosity from about 1000 cps to about 20,000 cps, in a mode of about 2,000 cps to about 15,000 cps, in a mode of about 3,000 cps at about 10,000 cps, and in another mode of about 4,000 cps at about 7,500 cps. The viscosity values of the premix are measured by using a Brookfield RVDV-1 Prime viscometer with a CPE-41 cone and a shear rate of 1.0 reciprocal seconds over a period of 300 seconds.

B. Optional continuous premix heating Optionally, the premix is preheated immediately before the aeration process at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature, but lower than any temperature that could cause the degradation of the components. In one embodiment, the premix is maintained at about 40 ° C and about below 99 ° C, in another embodiment at about 50 ° C and about below 95 ° C, in another embodiment at about 60 ° C and about below 90 ° C. In another embodiment, when the premix is heated to a temperature of between 60 ° C and 99 ° C, the premixes of the present invention have a viscosity from about 1000 cps to about 20,000 cps, in another embodiment from about 2,000 cps to about 15,000. cps, in a modality of approximately 3,000 cps a approximately 10,000 cps, and in another form from approximately 4,000 cps to approximately 7,500 cps. In a further embodiment, the additional heat is applied during the aeration process to try to maintain a high temperature during aeration, it can be done by means of conductive heating from one or more surfaces, steam injection or other processing means.

It is believed that the act of preheating the premix prior to the aeration step can provide a means to reduce the viscosity of premixes comprising a higher percent solids content for improved introduction of bubbles into the mixture and formation of the desired article. . It is desirable to achieve a higher percent solids content so that the energy requirements for drying are reduced. It is believed that the increase in the percentage of solids and therefore conversely the decrease in the water level content and increase in viscosity affects the drainage of the film within the premix during the drying stage. It is believed that the drainage and evaporation of water from the premix contribute to the formation of the cell structure of the article.

The pre-warming of the premix also allows the manufacture of a fast dissolving article even when a more viscous processing mixture is used. Without preheating, these viscous processing mixes with higher solid percentage levels normally produce slow dissolving articles having, predominantly, closed cell foams. However, the higher temperature during preheating causes drainage of the thin liquid film that separates the bubbles outwardly within the edges of the foam plateau of open cells. This drainage generates openings between the bubbles that become the open cells of the article. The demonstrated ability to achieve said interconnected open cell foams of the articles of the present invention is surprising.

Additionally, a more viscous processing mixture results in articles with a percentage (%) of less shrinkage after the drying process while still maintaining fast dissolution rates. This is because during the drying process, premixtures with higher viscosities are able to mitigate the drainage and break / decomposition / coalescence of the bubbles that generate the shrinkage.

C. Aeration of the premix Aeration of the premix is achieved by introducing a gas into the premix, in one embodiment by mechanical mixing energy, but can also be achieved by chemical means to form an aerated mixture. Aeration can be achieved by any suitable mechanical processing including, but not limited to: (i) discontinuous aeration tank by mechanical mixing including planetary mixers or other containers suitable mixing, (ii) semi aerators or continuous use in the food industry (pressurized and unpressurized), or (iii) spray drying the mixture processing to form drops or aerated particles can be compressed, such as in a mold with heat to form the porous solid.

In another embodiment, aeration with chemical foaming agents can be used by in-situ gas formation (by chemical reaction of one or more ingredients, including the formation of carbon dioxide (CO2 (g)) by an effervescent system).

In a particular embodiment, it has been found that the article can be prepared inside pressurized continuous aerators that are conventionally used. in the food industry for the production of marshmallows. Suitable continuous pressurized aerators include Morton whisk (Morton Machine Co., Motherwell, Scotland), continuous automatic mixer Oakes (ET Oakes Corporation, Hauppauge, New York), the continuous mixer Fedco (The Peerless Group, Sidncy, Ohio ), the Mondo (Haas-Mondomix BV, The Netherlands), the Eros (Industrial Eros) Equipment Co., Ltd., Guangdong Province, China), and the Preswhip (Hosokawa Micron Group, Osaka, Japan). Continuous mixers can operate to homogenize or aerate a slurry to produce very uniform and stable foam structures with uniform bubble sizes. The unique design of the high shear rotor / stator mixer head can produce uniform bubble sizes in the thickness of the initially wet aerated premix used to form the article (before drying).

The bubble size of the aerated premix helps achieve uniformity in the article. In one embodiment, the bubble size of the moist aerated premix is from about 5 to about 100 microns and, in another embodiment, the bubble size is from about 20 microns to about 80 microns.

The uniformity of the bubble sizes cause the article to have consistent densities in the article layers. In one embodiment, the wet aerated premix has a density of about 0.15 to about 0. 50 g / mol., In a mode of about 0.20 to about 0.45 g / mol, in a mode of about 0.25 to about 0.40 g / mol, and in another embodiment of about 0.27 to about 0.38 g / mol.

D. Dosage The wet premix is dosed at that time using a nozzle-type device within individual cavities in a mold. The dosage must be precise in order to avoid filling the cavities too much or too little. Optimally, the top surface will "self-level" and create a smooth, flat surface on the finished items; alternatively, scraping can be used to create a smooth, flat surface. Dosing can be done with commercially available equipment that has been adapted to produce specific shapes and sizes. Appropriate equipment can be supplied by E. T. Oakes Corporation, Hauppauge, NY, OKA-Spezialmaschinefabrik, Darmstadt, Germany and Peerless Food Equipment, Sidncy, Ohio. The product is dosed in molds that provide the desired shape and design for the finished article. The molds can be made from a variety of materials including metals, plastics and composite materials. The use of flexible molds can help with the removal of the finished article from the molds after drying.

E. Drying Energy is applied to wet foam molds to heat the foam and evaporate water. This energy can come from a variety of sources such as hot air, infrared, radioactive heat, etc. As the foam heats up, air bubbles grow and press on each other. This creates pressure in the thin films of the premix that separate the air bubbles, causing these films to drain in the regions of the edge of the plateau of the cellular structure. The speed of drying and rheology is controlled in order to allow drainage of this film, which in turn leads to the formation of an open cell foam structure during drying. This open cell foam structure provides good dissolution in dry foam finished If the speed of drying and rheology of the film are not suitably adapted, the resulting structure may be a foam of closed or partially closed cells which does not dissolve well. Drying can be done using a variety of commercially available equipment, for example, the jet air dryer manufactured by Lincoln (a division of Manitowoc Foodservices) and Autobake Ovens and Baking Systems (Sydncy, Australia). Drying through this method can result in an inclination of pore sizes of open cells. The heat that is applied to the mold can cause uneven heating of the substrate, consequently a pore gradient, with the formation of larger pores on the side of the foam that is in contact with the mold.

D. Conditioning Under some drying conditions, there is an internal moisture gradient inside the articles when they come out of the dryer. If this gradient is too large and the center of the articles is too humid, the quality of the articles may be compromised in the extraction stage. The articles can be maintained for a period of time at a controlled temperature and humidity conditions to allow the moisture gradient to equilibrate within the articles.

E. Extraction of the molds A combination of inversion and suction of the mold can be used to extract the articles from the molds. It is convenient to invert the mold because the porosity of dry articles is relatively high and can allow vacuum to pass through the articles.

F. Addition of minor ingredients Additional minor ingredients may be added to the articles after drying, in particular temperature-sensitive materials such as perfume that may not withstand the drying conditions. These minor ingredients are added in such a way that the appropriate amount of material in each article is dosed and provide an acceptable appearance in the finished article. Appropriate methods include spray coating, roll coating and other coating technologies.

G. Article processing The articles can be further processed to assist with dissolution, holes and / or voids can be added specifically to the outside of the article. In one embodiment holes are burned in the article (in order to extract a part of the foam material to create holes and / or voids). In another embodiment, holes are made in the surface of the article using a needle-like device.

Composition of the article A. Surfactants The article comprises one or more surfactants suitable for application to hair or skin. Suitable surfactants for use in the article include anionic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, zwitterionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, polymeric surfactants or combinations thereof. Various surfactants for use in the article are described in the US patent application. UU no. 12 / 633,228. Each patent described in this application is incorporated herein description as a reference, to the extent that each provides guidance with respect to suitable surfactants for inclusion in the article.

In one embodiment, the premix comprises from about 1% to about 75% by weight of the surfactant article.

In another embodiment, the article is a solid, dissolvable (dry) foam personal care product and comprises from about 0% to about 75% by weight of the surfactant article, in a mode of about 23% to about 75% by weight of the surfactant article, in a form of about 30% to about 70% by weight of the surfactant article, in a mode of about 40% to about 65% by weight of the surfactant article. In such cases, the premix may comprise from about 8% to about 30% by weight of the surfactant premix, in one embodiment, from about 13% to about 28% by weight of the surfactant premix, in one embodiment, of about 18% to about 25% by weight of the surfactant premix.

Non-limiting examples of surfactants suitable for use in the present disclosure include alkyl and alkyl ether sulphates, sulphated monoglycerides, sulphated olefins, alkyl aryl sulfonates, primary sulphonates or secondary alkane sulfonates, alkyl sulfocinates, alkyl taurates, alkyl isethionates. , alkyl glyceryl sulfonate ether, sulfonated methyl esters, sulfonated fatty acids, alkyl phosphates, glutamatosalkyl, alkyl sarcosinates, alkyl sulphoacetates, acylated peptides, alkyl carboxylate ether, acyl lactylates, anionic fluorosurfactants, sodium lauryl glutamate and combinations of these.

Anionic surfactants for use in the article include ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, triethylamine lauryl sulfate, triethylamine laureth sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine laureth sulfate, diethanolamine lauryl sulfate, diethanolamine laureth sulfate, monoglyceride lauric sodium sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, potassium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, lauryl sarcosine, cocoyl sarcosine, ammonium cocoyl sulfate, ammonium lauroyl sulfate, sodium cocoyl sulfate, sodium lauroyl sulfate, potassium cocoyl sulfate, potassium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, monoethanolamine cocoyl sulfate, monoethanolamine lauryl sulfate, tridecylbenzenesulfonate sodium, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and combinations of these.

Amphoteric surfactants suitable for use herein include, but are not limited to, secondary aliphatic and tertiary amine derivatives in which the aliphatic radical can be straight or branched chain and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains about to approximately 18 carbon atoms and another contains an anionic group for solubilization in water, for example, carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate. Some examples include sodium 3-dodecylaminopropionate, sodium 3-dodecylaminopropanesulfonate, sodium lauryl sarcosinate, N-alkyl taurines such as those prepared by the reaction of dodecylamine with sodium isethionate according to the teachings of US Pat. UU no. 2,658,072, alkylated aspartic acids with more N groups such as those produced in accordance with the teachings of US Pat. UU no. 2,438,091, and the products described in U.S. Pat. UU no. 2,528,378. and mixtures of these. The family of amphoacetates derived from the reaction of sodium chloroacetate with amidoamines to produce alkanoyl amphoacetates are, in particular, effective, for example, lauriolanfoacetate.

Suitable zwitterionic surfactants for use herein include, but are not limited to those derived from aliphatic ammonium, phosphonium and sulfonium quaternary compounds, in which the aliphatic radicals can be straight or branched chain, and wherein one of the aliphatic substituents contains from about 8 to about 18 carbon atoms and another substituent contains an anionic group, for example, carboxy, sulfonate, sulfate, phosphate or phosphonate. Other zwitterionic surfactants suitable for use herein include the betaines, which include the long chain alkyl betaines, such as coconut dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, cocoamidopropyl betaine, cocobetaine, lauryl amidopropyl betaine, oleyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl alphacarboxyethyl betaine. , cetyl dimethyl carboxymethyl betaine, lauryl bis- (2-hydroxyethyl) carboxymethyl betaine, stearyl bis- (2-hydroxypropyl) carboxymethyl betaine, oleyl dimethyl gamma-carboxypropyl betaine, lauryl bis- (2-hydroxypropyl) alpha-carboxyethyl betaine and mixtures of these. The sulfobetaines may include coconut dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, stearyl dimethyl sulfopropyl betaine, lauryl dimethyl sulfoethyl betaine, lauryl bis- (2-hydroxyethyl) sulfopropyl betaine and mixtures thereof. Amphoteric surfactants that are, moreover, suitable and useful in the present invention include amidobetaines and amidosulfobetaines, wherein the radical RCONH (CH2) 3 is attached to the nitrogen atom of betaine.

The cationic surfactants may include a DEQA compound. The DEQA compounds encompass a description of diamido active as well as active with combined amido and ester bonds. The DEQA compounds are typically made by the reaction of alkanolamines, such as MDEA (methyldiethanolamine) and TEA (triethanolamine) with fatty acids. Some materials that typically result from such reactions include N, N-di (acyl-oxyethyl) -N, N-dimethylammonium chloride or N, N-di (acyl-oxyethyl) methylsulfate-N, N-methylhydroxyethyl Lamonium, wherein the acyl group is derived from animal, unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, fatty acids (see U.S. Patent No. 5,759,990 in column 4, lines 45-66). Other non-limiting additional examples of said DEQA compounds are described in U.S. Pat. UU no. 5,580,481 and 5,476,597.

Other suitable actives for use as a cationic surfactant include reaction products of fatty acids with dialkylenetriamines in, for example, a molecular ratio of about 2: 1, said reaction products contain compounds of the formula: R1-C (O) -NH-R2-NHR3-NH-C (O) -R1 further characterized in that R1, R2 are as defined above, and each R3 is an alkylene group of Ci-6, more specifically, an ethylene group. Examples of these actives are reaction products of tallow acid, canola acid or oleic acids with diethylenetriamine in a molecular ratio of about 2: 1; said reaction product mixture contains N, N "-di-tallowyldiethylenetriamine, N, N" -di-canola-oildiethylenetriamine or N, N "-di- oleoidiethylenetriamine, respectively, with the formula: R1-C (O) -NH-CH2CH2-NH-CH2CH2-NH-C (O) -R1 further characterized in that R2 and R3 are divalent ethylene groups, R1 is as defined above; an acceptable example of this structure is when R1 is the oleoyl group of a commercially available oleic acid derived from a vegetable or animal source, including EMERSOL® 223LL or EMERSOL® 7021, available from Henkel Corporation.

Another active to use as a cationic surfactant has the formula: [R1- C (O) - NR- R2- N (R) 2- R3- NR- C (O) - R1] + X further characterized in that R, R1, R2, R3 and X are defined as defined above. Examples of this active are softeners based on fatty diamidoamines having the following formula: [R1-C (O) -NH-CH2CH2-N (CH3) (CH2CH2OH) -CH2CH2-NH-C (O) -R1] + CH3SO4 · wherein R1-C (0) is an oleoyl group, a soft tallow group or a commercially available hardened tallow group available from Degussa under the tradenames VARISOFT® 222LT, VARISOFT® 222, and VARISOFT® 110, respectively.

A second type of DEQA compound ("DEQA (2)") suitable as an active for use as a cationic surfactant has the following general formula: [R3N + CH2CH (YR1) (CH2YR1)] c- further characterized because each Y, R, R1 and X have the same meanings indicated above.

These types of agents and the general methods for making them are described in US Pat. UU no. 4,137,180, issued to Naik et al., On January 30, 1979. An example of an DEQA (2) is the fabric softening active formed by the quaternary ammonium "propyl" ester corresponding to the chloride formula of 1, 2. -di (acyloxy) -3-trimethylammoniopropane.

Other suitable cationic surfactants may include an asymmetric quaternary dialkylammonium salt cationic surfactant. The asymmetric quaternary dialkylammonium salt cationic surfactant may be included in the composition at a level of, in one embodiment, from about 0.1% to about 10%, in another embodiment, from about 0.2% to about 5%, in yet another embodiment, from about 0.4% to about 3% in view of the balance between the easy rinse sensation and the wet conditioning benefits. The use of a higher level of asymmetric quaternized dialkylammonium salt tends to lead to reduced wet conditioning benefits such as reduced detangling sensation, while the use of a lower level of asymmetric quaternized dialkylammonium salt tends to lead to a feeling of ease for reduced rinsing. Cationic surfactants and illustrative nonionic agents are described in the US patent application. UU no. 12 / 763,286, which is incorporated by reference in the present description.

In another embodiment, the article is a solid, soluble and practically non-foaming personal care product and comprises from about 0% to about 10% by weight of the article of an ionic surfactant (anionic, zwitterionic, cationic and mixtures thereof), in one embodiment, from about 0% to about 5% by weight of the article of an ionic surfactant and, in one embodiment, from about 0% to about 2.5% by weight of the article of an ionic surfactant, and from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the article of a polymeric or non-ionic surfactant, in one embodiment, from about 5% to about 45% by weight of the article of a polymeric or non-ionic surfactant and, in one embodiment, from about 10% to about 40 % by weight of the article of a polymeric or non-ionic surfactant, and combinations thereof.

Nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the present invention include those described in McCutcheon's Detergent and Emulsifiers publication, North American edition (2010), Allured Publishing Corp., and McCutcheon's Functional Materials, North American edition (2010). Nonionic surfactants suitable for use in the article of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyoxyethylenated alkylphenols, polyoxyethylenated alcohols, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycols, glyceryl esters of alkanoic acids, polyglyceryl esters of alkanoic acids, propylene glycol esters of alkanoic acids, sorbitol esters of alkanoic acids, sorbitol esters of polyoxyethylenated alkanoic acids, polyoxyethylene glycol esters of alkanoic acids, polyoxyethylenated alkanoic acids, alkanolamides, N-alkylpyrrolidones, alkyl glycosides, alkyl polyglucosides, alkylamine oxides and polyoxyethylenated silicones.

In another embodiment, the nonionic surfactant is selected from sorbitan esters and alkoxylated derivatives of sorbitan esters, which include sorbitan monolaurate (SPAN® 20), sorbitan monopalmitate (SPAN® 40), sorbitan monostearate (SPAN® 60), sorbitan tristearate (SPAN® 65), sorbitan monooleate (SPAN® 80), trioleate sorbitan (SPAN® 85), sorbitan isostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween® 20), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate (Tween® 40), polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (Tween® 60), polyoxyethylene monooleate (20) sorbitan (Tween® 80), polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monolaurate (Tween® 21), polyoxyethylene (4) sorbitan monostearate (Tween® 61), polyoxyethylene (5) sorbitan monooleate (Tween® 81 ), all available from Uniqema, and combinations of these.

Suitable polymeric surfactants include, but are not limited to, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and fatty alkyl residues, copolymers of block of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, hydrophobically modified polyacrylates, hydrophobically modified celluloses, silicone polyethers, silicone copolyol esters, dicuaternary polydimethylsiloxanes and amino / polyether comedone silicones.

B. Polymer One or more polymers suitable for the article of the present invention are selected so that their weight average molecular weight is from about 40,000 to about 500,000, in one embodiment, from about 50,000 to about 400,000, in another embodiment, of about 60,000 to approximately 300,000 and, in another embodiment, from approximately 70,000 to approximately 200,000. To calculate the weighted average molecular weight, the average molecular weights of each polymeric raw material are multiplied by the relative percentages of relative weight in weight of the total weight of the polymers present in the porous solid.

The polymer (s) of the article may include, but are not limited to, synthetic polymers including polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, polyacrylates, caprolactams, polymethacrylates, polymethylmethacrylates, polyacrylamides, polymethylacrylamides, polydimethylacrylamides, polymethylmethacrylates. IETI GLYCOLOL, copolymers of acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, polyurethanes, polycarboxylic acids, polyvinylacetates, polyesters, polyamides, polyamines, polyethylenimines, copolymers (acrylate or methacrylate) / maleic, copolymers of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, copolymers of vinyl acetate and crotonic acid, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone and of caprolactam, copolymers of vinylpyrrolidone / vinyl acetate, copolymers of anionic, cationic and amphoteric monomers, and combinations thereof.

The polymer (s) of the article can also be selected from polymers of natural origin, including those of plant origin, examples of which include karaya gum, tragacanth gum, gum arabic, acemannan, konjac mannan, acacia gum, gum of Anogeissus latifolia, isolated whey protein and isolated soy protein; seed extracts, which include guar gum, locust bean gum, quince seed and Afro plantain seed; algal extracts, such as carrageenan, alginates and agar; fruit extracts (pectins); those of microbial origin, which include xanthan gum, gelana gum, pullulana, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate and dextran; and those of animal origin, which include casein, gelatin, keratin, keratin hydrolysates, sulfonic keratins, albumin, collagen, glutelin, glucagons, gluten, zein and shellac.

The modified natural polymers are also useful as polymer (s) in the article. Suitable natural polymers include, but are not limited to, cellulose derivatives such as hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, ethylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, nitrocellulose, and other cellulose ethers / esters; and guar derivatives, such as hydroxypropyl guar.

The water-soluble polymers of the article include polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyalkylene oxides, starch and starch derivatives, pullulan, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses, methyeluloses and carboxymethicelluloses.

The water-soluble polymers of the article further include polyvinyl alcohols and hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses. Suitable polyvinyl alcohols include those available from Celanese Corporation (Dallas, TX) under the tradename CELVOL and include, but are not limited to, CELVOL 523, CELVOL 530, CELVOL 540, CELVOL 518, CELVOL 513, CELVOL 508, CELVOL 504, and combinations of these. Suitable hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses include those available from Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI) under the tradename Methocel and include, but are not limited to, Methocel E50, Methocel E15, Methocel E6, Methocel E5, Methocel E3, Methocel F50, Methocel K100, Methocel K3, Methocel A400 and combinations thereof, which include combinations with the hydroxypropylmethylcelluloses mentioned above.

The (dry) article may comprise from about 10% to about 50% by weight of the article of a polymer, in one embodiment, from about 15% to about 40% by weight of the polymer article, in one embodiment, of about 20% to about 30% by weight of the article of a polymer.

The premix may comprise from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the polymer premix, in one embodiment, from about 5% to about 15% by weight of the polymer premix, in one embodiment, from about 7% to about 10% by weight of the polymer premix.

C. Plasticizer The article may comprise a water soluble plasticizer suitable for use in the compositions discussed herein. Non-limiting examples of suitable plasticizing agents include polyols, copolyols, polycarboxylic acids, polyesters and dimethicone copolyols.

Examples of useful polyols include, but are not limited to, glycerin, diglycerin, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, dimethanol cyclohexane, hexanediol, polyethylene glycol (200-600), sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol and other mono- and polyhydric alcohols of low molecular weight (eg, C2-C8 alcohols); mono- and oligo-saccharides such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose and ascorbic acid and high fructose corn syrup solids.

Examples of polycarboxylic acids include, but are not limited to, citric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, polyacrylic acid, and polymaleic acid.

Examples of suitable polyesters include, but are not limited to, glycerol triacetate, acetylated monoglyceride, diethyl phthalate, triethyl citrate, tributyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, acetyl tributyl citrate.

Examples of suitable dimethicone copolyols include, but are not limited to, PEG-12 dimethicone, PEG / PPG-18/18 dimethicone and PPG-12 dimethicone.

Other suitable plasticizer products include, but are not limited to, allyl alkyl and naphthalates; naphthalates; lactates (eg, sodium, ammonium and potassium salts); sorbeth-30; urea; lactic acid; sodium pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (PCA); hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate; soluble collagen; modified protein; Monosodium L-glutamate; Alpha hydroxy acids & beta, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, maleic acid and salicylic acid; glyceryl polymethacrylate; polymeric plasticizers such as polyquaternials; proteins and amino acids, such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid and lysine; hydrogenated starch hydrosylates; other low molecular weight esters (eg, esters of C2-Ci0 alcohols and alcohols); and any other water-soluble plasticizer known to those with experience in the food and plastic industry; and mixtures of these.

The plasticizers include glycerin and propylene glycol. EP 0283165 B1 discloses other suitable plasticizers, including glycerol derivatives such as propoxylated glycerol.

The premix may comprise from about 0.1% to about 25% by weight of the plasticizer premix, in one embodiment, from 1 to 15% by weight of the plasticizer premix, in one embodiment, from about 2% to about 10% by weight. weight of the plasticizer premix, in one embodiment, from about 2% to about 4% by weight of the plasticizer premix.

The (dry) article may comprise from about 1% to about 25% by weight of the plasticizer article, in one embodiment, from about 3% to about 20% by weight of the plasticizer article, in one embodiment, of about 5% by weight. about 15% by weight of the plasticizer article.

D. Optional ingredients The article may further comprise optional ingredients that are known to be used or that are useful in compositions, provided that those optional materials are compatible with the selected essential materials described in the present disclosure, or that do not adversely affect the performance of the product.

Such optional ingredients are, more typically, those materials approved for use in cosmetics and are described in reference books such as CTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Handbook, second edition, The Cosmetic, Toiletries and Fragrance Association Inc. 1992.

Suitable emulsifiers as an optional ingredient in the present invention include mono- and diglycerides, fatty alcohols, polyglycerol esters, propylene glycol esters, sorbitan esters and other known or used emulsifiers. commonly in any other way to stabilize air interfaces, such as, for example, those used during the preparation of aerated foodstuffs, such as cakes and other baked goods and confectionery products, or for the stabilization of cosmetics, such as hair foams .

Other non-limiting examples of such optional ingredients include preservatives, perfumes or fragrances, coloring agents or dyes, conditioning agents, hair bleaching agents, thickeners, humectants, emollients, pharmaceutical actives, vitamins or nutrients, sunscreens, deodorants, sensing agents, plant extracts, nutrients, astringents, cosmetic particles, absorbent particles, adhesive particles, hair fixatives, fibers, reactive agents, skin lightening agents, skin tanning agents, anti-dandruff agents, perfumes, exfoliating agents, acids, bases, humectants, enzymes, suspending agents, pH modifiers, hair dyes, permanent agents, pigment particles, antiane agents, antimicrobial agents, sunscreens, tanning agents, exfoliating particles, agents for hair growth or restoration , insect repellents, agents with shaving lotion, cosolvent or other additional solvents and other similar materials.

Suitable conditioning agents include fatty compounds with high melting point, silicone conditioning agents and cationic conditioning polymers. Suitable materials are described in U.S. Pat. UU no. 2008/0019935, 2008/0242584 and 2006/0217288.

Non-limiting examples of types of product types for use in the article include substrates for hand cleaning, hair shampoo or other substrates for hair treatments, substrates for body cleansing, substrates for shaving preparations, fabric care substrates (softeners), dishwashing substrates, pet care substrates, personal care substrates containing pharmaceutical actives or other active skin care agents, wetting substrates , sunscreen substrates, substrates of chronic beneficial skin agents (eg, substrates containing vitamins, substrates containing alpha-hydroxy acid, etc.), deodorizing substrates, substrates containing fragrances, etc.

Test methods A. Method to determine the distance to the maximum force: It is determined by a breaking method in a texture analyzer with the use of a cylindrical probe TA-57R with the computer software Texture Exponent 32. For this method, the article should have a thickness of between 4 to 7 mm and should be cut in a circle with a diameter of at least 7 mm; or it must be cut or stacked to be within this general thickness and this diameter range. The porous solid sample is carefully mounted on top of the cylinder with four screws mounted on the top, with the top cap fixed in place at the top of the sample. There is a hole in the center of the cylinder and its lid, which allows the probe to pass and stretch the sample. The sample is measured with a pre-test speed of 1 mm per second, a test speed of 2 mm per second and a post-test speed of 3 mm per second, over a total distance of 30 mm. The distance to maximum force is recorded.

B. Method of dissolution in hand: An article with dimensions of approximately 43 mm x 43 mm x 4-6 mm is placed in the palm of the hand while wearing nitrile gloves. 7.5 cm3 from about 30 ° C to about 35 ° C tap water is rapidly applied to the product by means of a syringe. With circular movement, the palms of the hands are rubbed at 2 rubs at a time until dissolution occurs (up to 30 rubs). The dissolution value in hand is recorded as the number of rubs taken by the complete solution or as a maximum of 30 rubs.

C. Foam profile: volume of foam Next, the foam profile of the article is described. The evaluation of the volume of the foam is made in extensions of smooth virgin oriental hair of 15 g / 10 inches that has been treated with 0.098 g of artificial liquid sebum [10-22% olive oil, 18-20% walnut oil of coconut, 18-20% oleic acid, 5-9% lanolin, 5-9% squalene, 3-6% palmitic acid, 3-6% paraffin oil, 3-6% dodecane, 1-4% stearic acid, 1 -4% cholesterol, 1-4% fatty acid of coconut, 18-20% coleth-24]. The hair extension is rinsed with 9-11 flower, 100 ° F water at 1.5 gallons / min for 20 seconds with a shower nozzle. To test the liquid control products, 0.75 cm3 of liquid product is applied to the center of the hair, then the lower portion of the hair of the hair is scrubbed 10 times, in circular motion, on the product in the hair and, finally, it is rubbed 40 times backwards and forwards (a total of 80 rubs). Foam velocity is recorded as the number of rubs until the first foam is obviously generated. The foam of the operator's gloves is transferred to a graduated cylinder with an internal diameter of 3.5 cm and with total capacities of 70 mi, 110 mi or 140 mi, depending on the total amount of foam generated (the height of the standard-sized graduated specimens is modified in a glass workshop). The foam of the hair is joined by a downward rub on the strand, with a tight grip, and is also placed in the cylinder. The total volume of foam is recorded in millimeters. Three executions are made per test sample and the average of the three values is calculated. When testing the article, weigh 0.20 +/- 0.01 grams of the product, if necessary, with the help of scissors and apply to the lock. Then, 2 cm 3 of additional water are added to the product by means of a syringe. After a waiting time of 10 seconds, the foam technique is carried out as described for liquid products.

As used in the present description, the terms "substantially non-foaming" and "non-foaming" are used to refer to the volume of foam from 0 mi to 20 ml.

D. Cell wall thickness / pore size The article has a maximum cell wall thickness. The article has a maximum cell wall thickness. The article has a cell wall thickness of about 15 microns to about 55 microns, in another embodiment of about 20 microns to about 45 microns, and in another embodiment of about 25 microns to about 35 microns.

The cell wall thickness is computed from the images scanned through a microcomputed tomography system (pCT80, SN 06071200, Scanco Medical AG), as described herein. The cell wall thickness is determined according to the method defined for the calculation of trabecular thickness by using the morphometric evaluation of the trabecular bone of the trabecular bone.

Scanco Medical.

The cell wall thickness and separation are calculated as the trabecular thickness and the trabecular separation by using the ImageJ program with the BoneJ application. ImageJ is a public domain Java-based image processing program developed at the National Institutes of Health and available for download at http: brsb.info.nih.gov/ij. Information about the development of BoneJ can be found in the following article: Doube M, Klosowski MM, Arganda-Carreras I, Cordelieres F, Dougherty RP, Jackson J, Schmid B, Hutchinson JR, Shefelbine SJ. (2010) BoneJ: analysis of bone images free and extensible in ImageJ. Bone 47: 1076-9. doi: 10.1016 / j.bone.2010.08.023.

BoneJ is an open source application / free computer program for ImageJ to facilitate calculations commonly used in trabecular bone analysis. The images obtained from the Scanco pCT50 have a pixel size equal to 0.002 mm. The sub-sampling of these images is done in pixels of 0.004 mm sizes for the easier handling of the data and they are prepared as a series of binary images (slides) with the use of the program, Standard Notice v6.3.1. Once the binary images are created, they are exported as a series of two-dimensional TIFF images. Afterwards, the images are loaded into ImageJ by using the "Import Image Sequence" function. Afterwards, they are analyzed by using the BoneJ measurement option "Thickness". The resulting data have units of pixels and are converted to millimeters by multiplying each data by 0.004.

The weighted radius can be used to measure the diameter of the pores. The weighted radius is calculated from the three-dimensional data of the mCT. The mCT can be treated as a stack of two dimensional images in the height direction. The estimate of the change in the diameter of the bubbles from slide to slide is done through the following steps. Each image (or slide) is converted into a binary image using an appropriate threshold that separates the formula material from the empty space. Each slide is 3.8 microns. The item is assigned the bright pixels of the foreground (value of one) and the empty space dark background pixels (value of zero). For each binary slide, the Euclidean distance transformation is calculated. The Euclidean distance transformation assigns each dark pixel a new value based on the distance to the closest pixel of the first plane. Most image processing packages, such as MATLAB, offer Euclidean distance transformation as a standard image processing method. You can design the algorithm to run very quickly. The average of Euclidean distance values multiplied by 3 is used as a substitute for the empty bubble diameter and plotted with respect to height (this value constitutes the weighted radius). This weighted radius is then multiplied by two to achieve the diameter of the pores. (See Figure 5 for a graph of the Poros Diameter of the article in mm vs. the height of the article in mm.) This method described further in Maurer's article, Calvin, Rensheng Qi and Vijay Raghavan, "A Linear Time Algorithm to Calculate the Exact Euclidean Distance Transformations of Binary Images in Arbitrary Dimensions, "IEEE Transactions on Data Prospecting and Mechanical Intelligence, Vol. 25, No. 2, February 2003, pp. 265-270.

E. Specific surface area The article also has a minimum specific surface area. The article has a specific surface area of about 0.03 m2 / g to about 0.25 m2 / g, in a mode of about 0.035 m2 / g to about 0.22 m2 / g, in another form of about 0.04 m2 / g to about 0.19 m2 / g, and in another embodiment from about 0.045 m2 / g to about 0.16 m2 / g.

The specific surface area is measured through a gas adsorption technique. The surface area is a measure of the exposed surface of a sample of a solid at the molecular scale. The BET theory (Brunauer, Emmet and Teller) is the most popular model used to determine the surface area and is based on gas adsorption isotherms. Gas adsorption uses physical adsorption and capillary condensation to measure an isotherm of gas adsorption. The technique is summarized in the following stages: A sample is placed in a sample tube and heated under vacuum or flow gas to remove contamination from the surface of the sample. The weight of the sample is obtained by subtracting the weight of the empty sample tube from the combined weight of the degassed sample and the sample tube. After, the sample tube is placed in the analysis port and the analysis is started. The first stage in the analysis process is to evacuate the sample tube, followed by a calculation of the volume of free space in the sample tube using helium gas at liquid nitrogen temperatures. Then, the sample is evacuated a second time to remove the helium gas. Then, the Instrument begins to collect the adsorption isotherm by dosing krypton gas at intervals specified by the user, until the required pressure measurements are achieved. Then, the samples can be analyzed using an ASAP 2420 with krypton gas adsorption. It is recommended that these measurements be conducted by Micromeretics Analytical Services, Inc. (One Micromeritics Dr, Suite 200, Norcross, GA 30093). More information on this technique is available on the Micromeretics Analytical Services website (www.particletesting.com or www.micromeritics.com) or published in the book "Analytical Methods in Fine particle Technology" by Clyde Orr and Paul Webb.

F. Thickness In one embodiment, the article is a flat, flexible base fabric in the form of a pad (which includes but is not limited to the pads that are formed in a molding process), a strip or tape and has a thickness of about 0.5 mm to about 10 mm, in a mode of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, and in another additional mode of about 3 mm to about 7 mm as measured according to the following methodology. In another embodiment, the article is a sheet having a thickness of about 5 mm to about 6.5 mm. In another embodiment, two or more sheets are combined to form an article with a thickness of about 5 mm to about 10 mm. (See Figure 4) In one embodiment the perimeter of the pad is from about 7 to about 8 mm, and the center of the pad is from about 5 to about 6.5 mm.

The thickness of the dissolvable porous solid (eg, substrate or sample substrate) can be obtained using a micrometer or thickness gauge, such as the Digital Disk Stand Micrometer from Mitutoyo Corporation Model Number IDS-1012E (Mitutoyo Corporation, 965 Corporate Blvd, Aurora, IL , USA 60504). Alternatively, the thickness can be measured by cutting the pad in a cross section directly by measuring the thick and thin sections with a measuring ruler or by using microscopic optical images and / or measurement.

G. Base weight The article has a basis weight of about 200 grams / m2 to about 2000 grams / m2, in one embodiment, from about 400 grams / m2 to about 1200 grams / m2, in another embodiment, of about 600 grams / m2 to about 2000 grams / m2 and, in yet another embodiment, from about 700 grams / m2 to about 1500 grams / m2.

The basis weight of the soluble porous solid component of the personal care composition herein is calculated as the weight of the soluble porous solid component per area of the selected soluble porous solid (grams / m2). The area is calculated as the projection area on a flat surface perpendicular to the outer edges of the porous solid. For a flat object, then, the area is computed on the basis of the area enclosed within the outer perimeter of the sample. For a spherical object, then, the area is computed on the basis of the average diameter as 3.14 x (diameter / 2) 2. For a cylindrical object, then, the area is computed on the basis of average diameter and average length as diameter x length. For a three-dimensional object of irregular shape, the area is computed on the basis of the side with the largest external dimensions projected on a flat surface oriented perpendicular to this side. This can be achieved by carefully tracing the outer dimensions of the object on graph paper with a pencil, and then calculating the area by counting the squares approximately and multiplying by the known area of the squares, or taking a picture of the traced area ( shaded for contrast) that includes a scale, and image analysis techniques are used.

H. Dry density The article has a dry density of about 0.08 g / cm3 to about 0.30 g / cm3, in one embodiment, from about 0.10 g / cm3 to about 0.25 g / cm3 and, in another embodiment, from about 0.12 g / cm3 to about 0.20 g / cm3.

The dry density of the soluble porous solid is determined with the following equation: Calculated density = Base weight of porous solid / (Porous solid thickness x 1000). The basis weight and the thickness of the soluble porous solid are determined in accordance with the methodologies described herein.

I. Images with Electronic Scanning Microscope (SEMI) Representative sections of the sponge were cut with a clean razor blade and placed with the cut side facing upwards on a standard cryo-SEM support. Samples were secured on the support with carbon tape and silver paint. The image of the samples was captured with the use of a Hitachi S-4700 FE-SEM equipped with a Gatan Alto 2500 infant system. The samples were cooled to -95 AD before obtaining the images under the microscope. The samples were coated lightly with platinum to reduce the charge. Representative images were obtained at an extraction voltage of 2 kV, 20 uA, ultra high resolution mode with the use of the lower secondary electron detector. Large working distances were used in order to capture the complete sample in one image.

Volume J. Star and Index of Structure Models The article has a highlighted volume of about 1 mm3 to about 90 mm3, in one embodiment, from about 5 mm3 to about 80 mm3, in another embodiment, from about 10 mm3 to about 70 mm3 and in another embodiment, about 15 mm3 to approximately 60 mm3. The article has a positive structural model index of from about 0.0 to about 3.0, in one embodiment, from about 0.5 to about 2.75 and, in another embodiment, from about 1.0 to about 2.50.

To calculate the cellular interconnectivity through the highlighted volume and the structural model index, disk-like samples, approximately 4 cm in diameter and 3 to 7 mm high, are scanned using a microcomputed tomography system (pCT80, SN 06071200, Scanco Medical AG). An image is taken of each sample located flat on the bottom of a cylindrical tube. The image acquisition parameters are 45 kVp, 177 mA, 51.2 mm field of view, 800 ms integration time, 1000 projections. The number of slides is adjusted to cover the height of the sample. The reconstructed information consisted of a stack of images each of 2048x2048 pixels with an isotropic resolution of 25 pm. For the analysis of the information, a volume of interest is selected so that it is completely inside the sample, avoiding the region of the surface. A typical volume of interest is 1028x772x98 voxels.

The structural model index (SMI) is measured using the morphometric evaluation of Scanco Medical's trabecular bone with a threshold of 17. This index quantifies the structural appearance of trabecular bone (see T. Hildebrand, P. Rüegsegger. Quantification of bone microarchitecture with the structure model Index. Comp Meth Biomech Biomed Eng 1997; 1: 15-23). The triangulated surface expands in the normal direction by an infinitesimal amount, and the new structure and the new volume of the bone are calculated. Therefore, the derivative of the bone surface (dBS / dr) can be calculated. Then, the SMI is represented by the equation: BV SMI = 6 - BS 2 The SMI is related to the convexity of the structure to a type of model. Ideal (flat) plates have an SMI of 0 (no change in surface with dilation of the plates), while the cylindrical rods have an SMI of 3 (linear increase in surface with dilation of rods). The round spheres have an SMI of 4. The concave structure gives dBS / dr negative, resulting in negative SMI values. The limits on the edge of the volume of interest are not included in the calculation and, therefore, are deleted.

In addition to Scanco Medical's analysis, outstanding volume calculations are made. Featured Volume is a measure of the "opening" of empty space in a two-phase structure. By choosing a random group of points evenly distributed in the phase of interest (in this case the phase of interest is empty space or air), lines can be extended in random directions from each of these points. The lines extend until they touch the foreground phase. Then, the length of each of these lines is recorded. The random points have a sampling of 10 in each direction (x / y / z) and, at each point, 10 random angles are selected. If the line extends to the edge of the ROI of interest, that line is discarded (it only accepts lines that actually intersect with the foreground phase). The final equation is based on the research entitled Star Volume In Bone Research A Histomorphometric Analvsis of Trabecular Bone Structure Vertical Plant Sections: Vesterby, A .; Anat Rec .; February 1993; 235 (2): 325-334 .: where "dist" refers to the individual distances and N is the number of lines examined.

K. Content of open cells The article has a percentage content of open cells of about 80% to 100%, in one embodiment, from about 85% to about 97.5% and, in another embodiment, from about 90% to about 95% The percentage of content of open cells is calculated by means of gas meter. Gas pycnometry is a common analytical technique that uses a gas displacement method to calculate volume accurately. Inert gases, such as helium or nitrogen, are used as the means of displacement. The sample of the article is sealed in the instrument compartment of known volume, the appropriate inert gas is admitted and then expanded to another internal volume of precision. The pressure is determined before and after the expansion and is used to calculate the volume of the article sample. The division of this volume between the weight of the sample of the article gives the density of displacement of gas.

Examples: Composition of the article It should be noted that any of the active and / or compositions described in the present disclosure can be used in and / or with the articles, described in the following US patent applications. UU., Which include any publication that claims priority over them: US patent application. UU no. 61/229981; US patent application UU no. 61/229986; US patent application UU no. 61/229990; US patent application UU no. 61/229996; US patent application UU no. 61/230000; and US patent application. UU No. 61/230004.

The dimensions and values set forth herein are not to be construed as strictly limited to the exact numerical values mentioned.

Instead, unless otherwise specified, each of these dimensions will refer to both the aforementioned value and a functionally equivalent range comprising that value. For example, a dimension described as "40 mm" refers to "approximately 40 mm." All documents mentioned in the present description, including any cross reference or patent or related application, are incorporated in the present description in their entirety as a reference, unless expressly excluded or limited in any other way. The citation of any document is not an admission that it constitutes a prior subject matter with respect to any invention described or claimed in the present description or that, by itself or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or describes such invention . In addition, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document contradicts any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

Although particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the industry that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all those modifications and changes that fall within the scope of this invention.

Claims (6)

1. A personal care article in the form of a solid, porous and soluble structure, the article comprises: (a) from 1% to 75% surfactant; (b) from 15% to 70% of polymeric structurant, characterized in that the polymeric structurant has an average weighted molecular weight of 40,000 to 500,000 and (c) from 1% to 30% plasticizer; wherein the article is an open cell foam with a percentage of open cells of 80% to 100% and wherein the article has an upper part and a lower part, and wherein the upper part comprises a collection region where the Pores in the catchment region have an average diameter of 0.125 to 0.850 mm and where they have an average diameter of 0.020 to 0.125 mm, wherein the article has a concave area for receiving water, wherein the concave area is located in the catchment region or wherein the article has a design located in the collection region or where the upper part of the article comprises a design or wherein the article includes a distinctive orientation mark of the upper and lower part of the article, wherein the distinctive mark is printed on the upper part of the article or wherein the article includes a distinctive orientation mark of the upper and lower part of the article, wherein the distinctive mark is molded in the article or where the upper part of the article and the lower part of the article are of different colors or where the upper part of the article and the lower part of the article are of different textures.

2. The personal care article according to claim 1, further characterized in that the article comprises from 23% to 75% by weight of the surfactant article, preferably from 30% to 70% by weight of the surfactant article, more preferably, from 40% to 65% by weight of the surfactant article.

3. The personal care article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part of the article has a convex region.

4. A process for manufacturing a personal care article in the form of a solid porous soluble structure, the process comprises: (a) from 1% to 75% surfactant: (b) from 15% to 70% of polymeric structurant, characterized in that the polymeric structurant has an average weighted molecular weight of 40,000 to 500,000 and (c) from 1% to 30% plasticizer; wherein the article is an open cell foam with% open cells of 80% to 100% and wherein the article has an upper part and a lower part, and wherein the upper part comprises a collection region where the Pores in the catchment region have an average diameter of 0.125 to 0.850 mm and where they have an average diameter of 0.020 to 0.125 mm, wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) preparing a premix comprising from 1% to 75% surfactant, from 0.1% to 25% polymer, from 0.1% to 75% water and, optionally, from 0.1% to 25% plasticizer, wherein the Premix has: a viscosity of 1000 cps at 20,000 cps at 1 s 1 and 70 ° C; Y (b) heating the premix to a temperature in the range of 60 ° C to 90 ° C; (c) aerating the premix by introducing a gas into the premix to form an aerated wet premix, wherein said aerated wet premix has: (i) a density of 0.15 to 0.65 g / ml; Y (ii) a bubble size of 5 to 100 microns; (c) dosing the wet premix in individual cavities in a mold; Y (d) drying the wet premix by applying energy to the molds to heat the wet premix and evaporate the water; where the article is an open cell foam with a percentage of open cells of 80% to 100%.

5. The process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article has a center and an edge and the thickness of the center is less than the thickness of the edge.

6. The process according to any preceding claim, further characterized in that the premix comprises from 18% to 30% by weight of the surfactant premix, preferably from 13% to 28% by weight of the surfactant premix, more preferably from 18% to 25% by weight of the surfactant premix.